Open main menu ☰
HealingWell
Search Close Search
Health Conditions
Allergies Alzheimer's Disease Anxiety & Panic Disorders Arthritis Breast Cancer Chronic Illness Crohn's Disease Depression Diabetes
Fibromyalgia GERD & Acid Reflux Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lupus Lyme Disease Migraine Headache Multiple Sclerosis Prostate Cancer Ulcerative Colitis

View Conditions A to Z »
Support Forums
Anxiety & Panic Disorders Bipolar Disorder Breast Cancer Chronic Pain Crohn's Disease Depression Diabetes Fibromyalgia GERD & Acid Reflux
Hepatitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lupus Lyme Disease Multiple Sclerosis Ostomies Prostate Cancer Rheumatoid Arthritis Ulcerative Colitis

View Forums A to Z »
Log In
Join Us
Close main menu ×
  • Home
  • Health Conditions
    • All Conditions
    • Allergies
    • Alzheimer's Disease
    • Anxiety & Panic Disorders
    • Arthritis
    • Breast Cancer
    • Chronic Illness
    • Crohn's Disease
    • Depression
    • Diabetes
    • Fibromyalgia
    • GERD & Acid Reflux
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Lupus
    • Lyme Disease
    • Migraine Headache
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Support Forums
    • All Forums
    • Anxiety & Panic Disorders
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Breast Cancer
    • Chronic Pain
    • Crohn's Disease
    • Depression
    • Diabetes
    • Fibromyalgia
    • GERD & Acid Reflux
    • Hepatitis
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Lupus
    • Lyme Disease
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Ostomies
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Log In
  • Join Us
Join Us
☰
Forum Home| Forum Rules| Moderators| Active Topics| Help| Log In

AdVance Male Sling System

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12 3 4
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
profile picture
DanMc
New Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 8
Posted 2/18/2008 8:38 AM (GMT -8)

First, of course, the good news.  One year anniversary from DaVinci and 4th PSA was "0" !!!!  Feeling good.  Unfortunately, and I should have reported this earlier, I had a few setbacks.  I was dealing with infection 4 months out of surgery. Could not eliminate it with antibiotics.  It just came back over and over again.  My surgeon finally went back in and he found a "clip" which was used during DaVinci daggling around my bladder.  It was apparently a clip (hemilock, I think) which is routinely used for DaVinci. It became loose (and I may have done something to cause this when i was feeling better than I was actually) and it migrated into the bladder.  So, I wanted to share that information with you in case anyone who had DaVinci cannot rid themselves of infections.  He no longer uses that clip.

Anyway, has anyone had the Sling System operation?  I am still having a slight problem with sneezing, coughing or at times exercising.  Dry most all the time with those exceptions.

How was the procedure?  Post Op experiences?

Many, many thanks.  Can't tell you how many people, including docs, I've recommended this site to.

Best,

DJM

profile picture
Tony Crispino
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2006
Posts : 8160
Posted 2/18/2008 9:39 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Dan,
This has been a intriguing subject this last couple weeks. kw is awaiting this procedure next week. Stay tuned and Gled to have you along. There are many who would like to know more about this procedure.

Tony
profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 2/18/2008 6:35 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Dan, TC is right. I am going in on Friday the 22nd for the AMS AdVance male sling. I hope to be feeling good enough Friday evening to post my experience. Although I am much more incontinante than you, Currently using 6 -8 FULL pads a day, I hope this will give me some remarkable improvement in my incontinance.

Will let you all know how things go as soon as I can.

KW
profile picture
DanMc
New Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 8
Posted 2/19/2008 7:48 AM (GMT -8)

Many thanks.  I'm most interested in how the procedure goes and how you feel afterwards.  Can't find any dialogue on procedure and post op expectations. Dan

profile picture
cowboy bob
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 116
Posted 2/19/2008 9:37 PM (GMT -8)
Dan- Glad to hear you are going to get the relief that I understand slings can give a person. I'm using about 6 full pads per day but I have been deemed a candidate too incontinent to just get a sling, so I'm scheduled for a mid-April installation of an AMS 800 (artiphicial sphincter). And I'm going to be given two "cuffs" instead of the normal one, to become completely dry (hopefully). The sling is the better way to go tho,' since you'll be able to urinate naturally, just like before your operation!

profile picture
siberian
Regular Member
Joined : Oct 2007
Posts : 94
Posted 2/20/2008 9:36 PM (GMT -8)

I am interested in this male sling procedure also---I have not had  my operation yest---selected davinci---buy I do have and urgency problem.  I think it would be best to have this operation at the same timeI have the davinci procedure.

ken

profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 2/21/2008 8:10 PM (GMT -8)
Bob, I see your at 6 full pads a day and was deemed too incontinant for the sling. I know they say the sling is for mild to moderate incontinance! But I figured at my age (44) I wanted to try it first. I can always go to the AUS if I do not get the improvement I want.

Good Luck no matter which way you go.

KW
profile picture
cowboy bob
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 116
Posted 2/21/2008 8:51 PM (GMT -8)
KW-  Good luck to you, too! Can't wait to hear of your good results!

profile picture
Berb
Regular Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 93
Posted 2/21/2008 11:17 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Cowboy Bob.

 

I'm scheduled for AUS fitment in June after I return from an extended trip abroad. I discussed with my surgeon the 2 cuffs approach.  For what it's worth, he says he favours one cuff initially as the larger area taken up by the 2 cuffs takes longer to recover after the operation, and in most cases unnecessarily uses a section of the urethra which may be needed in the event that  further surgery is required in the future. He said it is not a big job to add the 2nd cuff if the single one proves unsuccessful. This surgeon has implanted 130 of these.

 

One benefit of my visit to this surgeon was getting fitted with a condom drain by his nurse. I've been averaging around 8 pads a day and am now 13 months since my operation.  He says there is no prospect of me recovering continence with this loss at this stage, and encouraged me to try the condom drain as an interim measure until the AUS is fitted and turned on 6 weeks later.  This has made a HUGE difference to my lifestyle.  I'm surprised just how effective these things are, especially at how well the adhesive holds the condom on the penis.  It holds well even when exercising - did a 2 hour run with no problems last Saturday. Might be worth investigating if you haven't already done so.

 

Looking forward to reading about your AUS fitment.

 

Berb

 

 

profile picture
jerryv
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2008
Posts : 52
Posted 2/22/2008 11:21 AM (GMT -8)
To Cowboy Bob

I understand that you are having a AUS put in in April and the doctor is going to put in two cuffs to be sure you don't leak.  Sounds good doesn't it but don't rely on it.  I had this done in September 2007 and was told the same thing.  The whole thing did not work and the pump broke and caused an absess so i never did find out if two was better than one.  I had to have the unit replaced which i did on the 4th of Feb and have to wait another three weeks to have it activated.  As i was waiting to heal to get the new unit in i wondered if one cuff wasn't good enough to keep us dry the reliability of the whole unit is in question.  I told the doctor that i did not want two of them put in and that is what has been done.

FOR ANY OF YOU WHO ARE GOING TO HAVE AN AUS INSTALLED make sure you get on the net to find out as much as you can .  I never saw a unit and was told to just squeeze on the soft spot.  This time i told doctor before he activates anything i want to see a unit and see how it is supposed to operate and where i am to squeeze

I am coming along very well and don't have much pain at all so i hope everything will work well.  I hear some of you complaining about having a cathter in for a couple of weeks but i have had a catheter in my abdomin since the early part of Septembe 2007.  It isn't a lot of fun  Will be happy if and when it comes out.  Good luck to all of you

Jerryv

profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 2/22/2008 4:28 PM (GMT -8)
See my Sling Experience on KW's Journey!   KW     43     PSA 5.7, Biopsy 3 of 12 positive (up to 75%) all on left side of prostate, Gleason 7     RRP on Oct. 17, - Nerves on right side saved. All Lab's clear.      Cathiter in for 28 days due to complications in healing. Removed Nov. 9, 2006     First Post op PSA on Dec. 11, 2006  Undetectable 0.00.     ED workable and usable with Viagra.     Feb. 20th, 2007 - Feb. 4th, 2008  Cystoscope, Two Collagen injections,Second opinion Doctor at OU Medical Center, Bio-Feedback training, Chiropractic, Accupuncture  to try to resolve ongoing incontinance (4-6 pads a day)  All PSA's 0.00.     Feb. 4th, 2008 - Appointment with Original Dr. to discuss options and recomendation for surgical fix for incontinance.     Feb. 22nd, 2008 - Surgery to install the AMS AdVance Male Sling. Post edited to activate link   : ) click on links..> (Part 1)   KW’s Journey and battle with incontinence! KW's Journey (Part 2) Post Edited By Moderator (bluebird) : 3/23/2008 7:00:25 PM (GMT-6)
profile picture
cowboy bob
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 116
Posted 2/22/2008 7:24 PM (GMT -8)
Berb and Jerryv- Thank you both so much. Berb- Having the one cuff sounds a lot simpler, but my doctor is one of the best around and I really trust him. He just feels that two would be better for someone in my situation. So I'm going to give it a shot. We'll see. Also, I asked him early on about the condom drain. He called it a "Texas condom" and said it was just a "piece of c__p." This was very disappointing, and I am very glad to hear yours is staying on and working so well. Good luck with your surgery!

Jerryv- What problems you have had! I feel for you, and hope everything works out in the long run. I know it all will. I wouldn't wish any of that on anyone!
profile picture
pcdave
Regular Member
Joined : Oct 2006
Posts : 444
Posted 2/25/2008 2:33 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Dan

WOW!  We have all read about surgical implements being left in the body after surgery and it sure is scary.  Luckily your surgeon eventually resolved the problem, but unfortunately subjected you to some more surgery.

The main reason for my post is to suggest that you give a little background information in your first post for those who may not familiar with the surgical procedure for the "advanced male sling" (which I believe is to hopefully rectify incontinence after prostate surgery).

Good luck to you!

Dave

profile picture
veronica
New Member
Joined : Feb 2008
Posts : 2
Posted 2/25/2008 4:50 PM (GMT -8)

My husband, who is 70 yrs. old had a prostectomy two years ago and has been leaking through 4 pads a day. 

He decided to have the AdVance Sling procedure to stop the leakage. His surgeon explained the procedure as using a material to create a pressure on the urethra and held in place by titanium bone screws into the pelvic bone.

He had the procedure four weeks ago and he only has slight leakage now, which is great, but there has been another problem. He is constant pain and has been to the emergency room twice. He can barely stand, sit or do anything but lie down since the operation. Even the pain pills are not helping. All the tests came up negative. The doctor is sugesting a pain management program and if that doesn't work, he will have to remove the sling. My husband doesn't want it removed because it is working, but he can't go on like this either.

If any one has had a similar experience or any suggestions, pleas let me know?

Veronica

profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 2/25/2008 8:20 PM (GMT -8)

    Veronica,  I'm sorry to hear that your husband is having trouble.  You may want to talk to your Dr. or someone else.  It sounds like they did not use the AMS AdVance Male Sling.  This is a device made specifically for men.  There are no screws involved.  From what I understand, when screws are involved they are using either a stock material or a sling made for women.  I know he does not want to go backward.  But he should not have to live in pain the rest of his life.  If he could tolerate another surgery, maybe you could find a Dr. that would remove the "sling" he has in now and replace it with the AdVance Brand Name sling.

    I am no Dr.  Just trying to think of some options I would be considering.

    Good Luck,

    Kelly

profile picture
veronica
New Member
Joined : Feb 2008
Posts : 2
Posted 2/26/2008 4:35 PM (GMT -8)
Kelly,

I made a mistake on the name of the sling operation. It is the InVance Male Sling System and the procedure I described is for men. The web site is www.prostate-cancer.org/education/sidefx/Leach_Incontinence.html.

I did research the procedure before he asked his doctor if he was this procedure would help him. I wish I would have researched more options. Who would know this would happen.

I am going to try to find another doctor and get a second opinion on what to do.

Thank you for your help. I will take all the advice I can get.

Veronica
profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 2/26/2008 8:19 PM (GMT -8)
I was not sure what the differance between the InVance and the AdVance sling were. I know the AdVance is the newer of the two. I know they are both designed for men. Sorry to hear about your complications. Hope your husband get's some relief soon.

KW
profile picture
leaky
New Member
Joined : Mar 2008
Posts : 15
Posted 3/2/2008 5:12 PM (GMT -8)
I'm having this procedure March 7, 2008. Have used 6 pads/day for 3 years. Elected to pass on 'the gold standard' and collegan alternatives.
profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 3/4/2008 12:40 PM (GMT -8)
Leaky, Having fought it for 15 months I fully understand where your comming from. If you want more information than I have on My Journey you can send me a e-mail at  (masked) click here...> kw and I will send you my cell and house phone number for you to call. Good Luck with your upcomming surgery. KW     43     PSA 5.7, Biopsy 3 of 12 positive (up to 75%) all on left side of prostate, Gleason 7     RRP on Oct. 17, 2006 - Nerves on right side saved. All Lab's clear.      Cathiter in for 28 days due to complications in healing. Removed Nov. 9, 2006     First Post op PSA on Dec. 11, 2006  Undetectable 0.00.     ED workable and usable with Viagra.     Feb. 20th, 2007 - Feb. 4th, 2008  Cystoscope, Two Collagen injections,Second Opinion Consultation for Incontinance at OU Medical Center, Bio-Feedback training, Chiropractic, Accupuncture  to try to resolve ongoing incontinance (4-6 pads a day)  All PSA's 0.00.     Feb. 4th, 2008 - Appointment with Original Dr. to discuss options and recomendation for surgical fix for incontinance.     Feb. 22nd, 2008 - Surgery to install the AMS AdVance Male Sling.   ( Edit e-mail ) Click on link and Refresh …once page is opened.     **** E-Mail Addresses for Members Only (Masking for Security) Post Edited By Moderator (bluebird) : 3/23/2008 6:56:23 PM (GMT-6)
profile picture
leaky
New Member
Joined : Mar 2008
Posts : 15
Posted 3/16/2008 6:58 PM (GMT -8)
March 7 2004 I had the AdVance Sling installed. The operation was to last an hour and ran slightly past that estimate. At 7am I went in the OR and woke up in recovery about 10. I had reserved a private room and used it from noon until about 5pm. Was able to go home w/o catherter then. The same MD who did the sling had 3 AMS800 aus units to install after me. He had urged me to get the AMS800 because my leak rate was 6 FULL pads daily and he said a reduction to 1 or 2 pads a day was all I should expect from the sling. I considered the AMS800 a couple of years ago and decided I did not want all that plumbing and it had a 25-30% surgical revision rate.

The operation produced significant swelling and I should have reserved a wheelbarrow instead of the room. Because pain meds produce side effects I wanted to avoid, I used a lot of Tylenol. The first 4 days were rough and spent on my back with an ice pack between my legs. In fact I'm still in that mode but moving around is much easier now.

Thus far the MD was correct, looks like 1 pad/day but I can not yet do enough to put it to a good test. I'm to take it easy for 6 weeks and that won't be a problem. I'm happy with my outcome.

The balance of this story will describe my situation in the hope that someone may benefit from my experience/mistakes/hindsight.

My prostate began to cause problems in 1990 when I was 56 yrs of age. Hytrin quickly took care of the situation. My internal med MD retired and the new MD started me on Proscar which also worked fine and was to shrink the prostate. I took Proscar from 95 until 2004 and had wonderful results. PSA tests were performed 10 times during that period. In April 2004 the reading was 2.2 but had gone to 3.2 by October at which time a DRE (finger wave) found a nodule. I had never used the services of a urologist in my life and did not want to start.

However I needed a biopsy and went to my new MD (urologist). The first news from him was to explain that my PSA was really 6.4 instead of 3.2. Proscar masks the readings. The biopsy revealed one side of my prostate was full of cancer with a Gleason of 3+4=7. Because Proscar had done a good job, I now had a large cancer in a small prostate. He indicated that might not be the best situation. My Uncle had gotten excellent results from seed implants so that was my first treatment choice. My new friend said I had too much cancer for that approach and should consider external radiation or surgery. The robotic arm was being used by a MD in Florida and was the only one I could find on the net. His web site sounded more like an advertisement than anything else. This was in December 2004.

Because I'd had an emergency appendectomy a couple of years earlier using arthroscopic surgery, I wanted that for my prostate. I live in Dallas and at that time only 2 surgeons in the state used that procedure. One was at MDAnderson in Houston (my fav cancer hospital) and the other was at UT Southwestern in Dallas. My urologist had performed the biopsy at UT and arranged a visit for me with the arthroscopic surgeon. Naturally he had patients lined up for several months and I was afraid to wait. Maybe I should have.

The surgery took place at Christmas 2004 using the open method (RRP?) The MD was a competent, caring man who did the best he could with the situation he had to work with. I'm cancer free which was the objective. And thankful to him for his skill and God for His love.
profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 3/19/2008 7:00 PM (GMT -8)
Leaky, How are you doing now? I'm one of the few in this struggle with you. Interested on how things go for you.

Good Luck, KW
profile picture
Emhoh
New Member
Joined : Mar 2008
Posts : 3
Posted 3/19/2008 7:50 PM (GMT -8)
I had my laparoscopic surgery on January 30th and the catherter removed two weeks after, which was on February 12. I have no idea that I was going to be leaking. The nurse told me and she told me that it will last for a while. Then I called the Urologist to confirm what his nurse told me about the incontinence, he told me he was sorry that we did not discuss this during the pre-surgery consultation. By the way the surgery well, recovery time very short, but the leak. In the first two weeks, I used up to 6 pads a day. At night I am relatively dry, but when I am up , walking or sitting there is no let up, Kegel or no Kegel. I called my doctor again, and he told me that this will alst at least 5 to 6 months.
The doctors at Mayo clinics are quite good, but is this a prognosis that I should take to heart?
profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 3/20/2008 7:15 PM (GMT -8)
Emhoh, Take your time! It is normal to take up to 6 months to regain your continence. If it last longer than that and you have seen no improvement you may start looking at treatment options. The thing I would do now is fine a Physical Theraist that uses bio-feedback to help you isolate the pelvic floor muscles so you know your exercising the right ones.

Good Luck,

KW
profile picture
Emhoh
New Member
Joined : Mar 2008
Posts : 3
Posted 3/21/2008 6:01 PM (GMT -8)
I am looking for a Physical Therapist that can help me isolate the pelvic floor muscle. I really want to know if I am doing the Kegel right. Any suggestion of a Physical Therapsit in my neck of the wood? I live in Jacksonville Florida.
profile picture
kw
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 883
Posted 3/22/2008 9:51 AM (GMT -8)
    Leaky,  Please e-mail me at   (masked) click here...> kw    I would like to know where you live and who the Dr. that did your sling is.  I may be looking for a AUS Dr. soon.  I liked the fact that your Dr. was doing 3 of them in one day.  I just hope they weren't all his prostate removal patients!  I would also like to see on here how your sling is working for you.     Good Luck,  KW        43     PSA 5.7, Biopsy 3 of 12 positive (up to 75%) all on left side of prostate, Gleason 7     RRP on Oct. 17, 2006 - Nerves on right side saved. All Lab's clear.      Cathiter in for 28 days due to complications in healing. Removed Nov. 9, 2006     First Post op PSA on Dec. 11, 2006  Undetectable 0.00.     ED workable and usable with Viagra.     Feb. 20th, 2007 - Feb. 4th, 2008  Cystoscope, Two Collagen injections,Second Opinion Consultation for Incontinance at OU Medical Center, Bio-Feedback training, Chiropractic, Accupuncture  to try to resolve ongoing incontinance (4-6 pads a day)  All PSA's 0.00.     Feb. 4th, 2008 - Appointment with Original Dr. to discuss options and recomendation for surgical fix for incontinance.     Feb. 22nd, 2008 - Surgery to install the AMS AdVance Male Sling. ( Edit e-mail ) Click on link and Refresh …once page is opened.     **** E-Mail Addresses for Members Only (Masking for Security) Post Edited By Moderator (bluebird) : 3/23/2008 7:03:12 PM (GMT-6)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1234


More On Prostate Cancer

Positive For Prostate Cancer

Positive For Prostate Cancer

An Unexpected Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer

An Unexpected Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer


HealingWell

About Us  |   Advertise  |   Subscribe  |   Privacy & Disclaimer
Connect With Us
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn
© 1997-2023 HealingWell.com LLC All Rights Reserved. Our website is for informational purposes only. HealingWell.com LLC does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.